Log slide for stove

ABSTRACT

A log slide for putting large logs into a wood stove comprising a metal plate with a handle which is inserted into the log access of the stove, a log is placed on the plate. The plate is removed leaving the log to fall into the fire pit. The plate provides protection from heat and flames.

This application contains subject matter disclosed in my provisional application No. 62/122,649 filed Oct. 27, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to putting large wood logs into a domestic wood stove. Problems involved in loading the stove include possible exposure to heat and flames if the stove already has a fire, strain on a person's back while loading, accidental damage to the stove grate, extended time to fully load the stove, and difficulty of removing a log found to be too long.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel apparatus for inserting logs into a domestic wood stove that has a door which is opened to load logs. A metal plate is inserted into the opening and has a width almost as wide as the width of the loading opening.

The plate has a handle for maneuverability. If a fire is already lit, the plate is a shield from heat and flames. A large log may be placed on top of the plate. The plate has a smooth upper surface. Upon pulling the plate out from underneath the log, the log slides off to be burned.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as this description proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a wood stove with a log slide of the invention in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a log slide.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the log slide of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a domestic wood stove with a front wall 12, a side wall door 14, and an ash box 16. Opening an access door 14 provides access to a log loading opening 18. A larger decorative door 20 normally covers the access door 14. The stove has a typical thermostat 22 for temperature control, and an exhaust pipe 24 and damper.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a presently preferred embodiment of a log slide comprising a metal plate 26 with a smooth upper surface for supporting a heavy log. Plate 26 is preferably made of stainless steel, and has a handle 28 for use in sliding the log slid into stove opening 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The width of plate 26 is almost the width of opening 18. An L shaped stop 30 is fixed to the bottom of the plate and projects beyond handle 28 to prevent the log slide going too far into the stove.

In operation, assuming firewood is already burning in the stove one opens the damper and then access door 14. The plate 26 is inserted into opening 18, and a log 32 is slid onto the plate 26. Because the plate is flat and smooth, there is minimal resistance when sliding the large log into the stove. Using handle 28 a jerk will remove the plate from under the log 32. If necessary, a push rod, not shown, may be used to hold the log inside. The procedure may be repeated to fully load the stove.

Because the plate 26 is almost as wide as the access opening, it helps protect an operator from heat and flames. 

1. In combination with a wood stove having an access door to an opening for loading logs into the stove, the improvement comprising a plate for insertion into the opening, a handle for moving said plate, and said plate having a smooth log supporting surface, whereby upon inserting said plate into the stove and placing a log on said plate removal of said plate causes said log to slid off into the stove.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plate is smooth metal.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plate is stainless steel.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, said plate having a width almost the width of the opening.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stop on the bottom of said plate to limit insertion into the stove. 